Colorado Auto Theft Guide; Statistics

Colorado Auto Theft Guide-Can You Prevent Auto Theft?

Having your car stolen evokes some feelings, none of which are good. You feel violated, you feel angry, and you may even feel sad. However, educating yourself and your family can help prevent auto thefts.

Here is a quick and easy Colorado Auto Theft Guide to keep you safe and feel protected against auto thieves.

It is also a wise to carry comprehensive insurance that covers stolen vehicles. Even if your vehicle is an older model, you are still at risk to be a victim of auto theft. To see what carriers we work with click here.

Colorado Auto Theft Guide
Colorado auto theft guide

Colorado’s Top Ten Stolen Vehicles in 2016 according to the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center

  1. Honda Accord
  2. Honda Civic
  3. Dodge Ram Pickup
  4. Ford F-250
  5. Ford F-150
  6. Jeep Cherokee
  7. Subaru Impreza
  8. Chevrolet Silverado
  9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
  10. Toyota Camry

Protect Yourself Against Auto Theft: Helpful Tips

If you happen to drive one of these vehicles, there are ways that you can protect yourself and your vehicle by following our Colorado Auto Theft Guide.
These include:

  • Locking your doors when you aren’t in the vehicle, if it is parked, lock it.
  • Park in well-lit areas, parking near a light or building can ward off thieves.
  • Don’t keep your spare keys in the car, please don’t hide a key on the vehicle, car thieves know the tricks.
  • Always hide valuables in the trunk or hidden from view, leaving an iPad or purse out on a seat is like personally inviting someone to take your stuff.
  • Try to report any suspicious activity to the nonemergency police line, get a strange feeling from someone lurking around the parking lot, call.

Where you live can also be a factor in if you will be a victim of an auto theft.

Colorado Auto Theft: Top Cities for Auto Crime.

  1. Denver
  2. Colorado Springs
  3. Aurora
  4. Pueblo
  5. Lakewood

If you live in one of the hot cities, don’t start packing up and looking for a new location. Law enforcement is hard at work creating new and innovative ways to stop auto crime.

Colorado Auto Theft Guide- Prevention Initiatives

AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS (ALPR)-This technology uses optical character recognition to automatically read license plate information, gathered by a unique vehicle outfitted with many cameras that can read hundreds of plates a minute while running. The system then runs the data through a national or local database, alerting the officer if there is a match.


BAIT CAR PROGRAM-A bait car is a police-owned vehicle meant to entice car thieves. Once a thief takes the car, police dispatchers use GPS to monitor location, speed, and direction. Whatever is happening inside of the vehicle is being recorded with audio and video. Once the dispatcher coordinates with law enforcement and the officers are in position, the engine is shut down with the click of a button, allowing for a quick arrest.


VIN ETCHING -A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique identifier etched into a car’s windshield or windows. VIN etching makes selling parts more challenging and risky for the thief and increases the odds of a vehicle’s successful recovery. When buying a used car, always check the VIN to ensure it is legit and not stolen.


COLORADO AUTO THEFT GUIDE CHECK UP -Developed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), this theft deterrent is a quick, three-part questionnaire designed to help you determine how many layers of protection you need for your vehicle(s).


PUFFER AWARENESS -“Puffer” is the term used to describe the exhaust vapors that come out of a running car’s tailpipe in cold weather. To a thief, this is an indicator a car as unlocked with keys in the ignition. Colorado law enforcement and community partners have come together to educate the public about the dangers of leaving your car running unattended.

The Reality of the Situation

Law enforcement needs the publics help in deterring auto theft; the best way to do that is to be educated and aware of your surroundings.

  • 39% of Colorado residents do not know leaving a car running unattended is illegal
  • 34% of Colorado residents admit they have left their car running unattended
  • 48% of Colorado residents know a victim of auto theft
  • 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error, which included leaving car doors unlocked and keys still in the ignition or on the seats
  • 199 “puffer” car thefts occurred in 2016, with an average of 17 stolen per month
  • Friday and Monday showed the most activity for auto theft, while Sunday showed the least
  • Data indicates there is a higher rate of auto theft from July through December
  • Favorite locations for thieves to steal cars are residences and parking lots, including garages
  • 3/4 of all commuter vehicles stolen are model years 2009 or older
  • Colorado reported 18,047 stolen cars in 2016, an average of 347 stolen per week and a 21.55% rise from 2015

Do you have the right coverage in place to cover theft, please contact us today for a comprehensive review of your auto insurance policy.

Please Note: This article is a Colorado auto theft guide. If you have had your vehicle stolen, please call 911.

What are the current auto theft statistics in Colorado?

The latest statistics report indicates an increase in auto theft cases in Colorado, with specific details available through law enforcement or related agencies.

How can I obtain further information about preventing auto theft in Colorado?

You can access comprehensive auto theft prevention tips and guidelines from local law enforcement or relevant authorities in Colorado.

For additional support or assistance, how can I reach out?

Feel free to contact us at 1.888.445.2793 for further assistance or guidance regarding auto theft matters in Colorado.

Other Helpful Links
Insurance Denver
Insurance Colorado
Insurance Boulder
Motorcycle Insurance Elgin
Motorcycle Insurance Liberty
Auto Insurance Colorado
Colorado Auto Theft Guide

Thank you for reading our Colorado Auto Theft Guide. This is not the only service we offer. Check out more of our services below!

INSURANCE SERVICES WE OFFER

Welcome Center Free Auto Insurance Quote
2024 Colorado Auto Theft Guide; Statistics

Don’t give up…we can help you find affordable rates, need an SR-22? We got you!

Welcome Center Homeowners And Renters Insurance
2024 Colorado Auto Theft Guide; Statistics

Homeowners, renters, and mobile home owners: make sure you have the protection you need.

Welcome Center Other Insurance Quotes
2024 Colorado Auto Theft Guide; Statistics

Motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, life insurance, you name it…we can help!

Last Updated on by Marlon Moss

Spread the love
Scroll to Top